"Musical Instruments traces the evolution of music instruments and their important contributions to today's world cultures. With more than 150 color photographs, this illustrated book by ethnologist Lucie Rault explores the relationship between musical instruments and the people and societies who use them.

She examines the importance of various cultures by looking at the art of musical instruments from depictions of early instruments in prehistoric cave paintings to modern paintings by Marc Chagall; and the development of the instruments themselves, from simple inventions made from bone to ornate ceremonial tools used in many of today's world cultures.".

"From the vocal chord to precision string instruments, from the cai trong kuan (Vietnamese zither) to the edungu (Ugandan lyre), Musical Instruments details an array of instruments and provides unique anthropological insights into the relationship between ethnography and music. From basic forms of communication to complex religious ceremonies, the musical instrument has helped to shape the many societies of the world.

Now, for the first time, this book explores the many diverse and fundamental roles of musical instruments around the globe."--BOOK JACKET.